MLS Cup 2010: The Rematch (Part 1)

"No disrespect to the Eastern Conference, but tonight was the championship" -- Dallas defensive midfielder Daniel Hernandez after winning the Western Conference Championship in 2010

Since making that statement Dallas has yet to win a game, while Colorado has won every league game, including the 2010 MLS Cup over Hernandez and his Dallas teammates. Tomorrow the teams meet again with a chance to break both streaks (but we hope not). The game will be nationally broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel with kickoff at 7pm MDT.

Injury Report:

OUT: FW Conor Casey (L hamstring strain), FW Macoumba Kandji (L knee ACL tear)

PROBABLE: DF Kosuke Kimura (L hand strain), GK Matt Pickens (R groin)

Disciplinary Report:

SUSPENDED AFTER 2 MORE CAUTIONS: FW Conor Casey

As reported earlier this week, Casey is out for 2-4 weeks. I expect both Pickens and Kimura to play, and of course we've known Kandji was going to be out most of the season. Dallas has 3 defenders listed as questionable or worse and defender Jackson was red carded last week and will miss this game. My guess on our lineup:

Pickens

Kimura - Wynne - Moor - Wallace

Mullan - Mastroeni - Larentowicz - Smith

Cummings - Folan

Gary Smith might get tricky and mix the up the lineup with a game Wednesday against FSL, but something tells me we'll see the full first team squad, with Folan in for Casey. Its a quick turnaround but not so horrible that the players can't go both games, especially with a 9 day rest after the FSL game.

Key To Look For: The Rapids possession. The last two games Colorado has struggled to hold the ball for long periods. With a player like David Ferreira on the other side, the Rapids could get stung if that continues. The team needs to hold the ball.

Prediction: 2-1 Rapids win. Goals by Folan and Larentowicz (tempting to predict an own goal ;) ). Yeah, I'm predicting a replay of MLS Cup 2010. I think Dallas, as bad as they've been will be up for this one. Honestly I wouldn't be shocked to end up with a 1-1 or 2-2 draw. But with the Dallas backline so beat up I think there's a good chance the Rapids can do just enough to keep the winning streak going.